A Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando

A Celebration of Harry Potter returns to Universal Studios Florida on January 26. The three day event, presented by Warner Brothers and Universal Orlando, features Q&A’s with stars from the films, movie screenings at Music Plaza, and tons of interactive exhibits and attractions. This year’s celebrity guest list includes Stanislav Yanevski (Viktor Krum), James & Oliver Phelps (Fred & George Weasley), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) and Natalia Tena (Nymphadora Tonks) who will participate in Q&A sessions and other special events.

Panels

Harry Potter super fans can learn all about the technical aspects of making the Wizarding World come alive on screen at informative panels led by the experts behind the movie magic all weekend long at Islands of Adventure.

Discover Behind-the-Scenes Secrets with Award Winning Special Effects Supervisor: John Richardson, who served as special effects supervisor for all eight Harry Potter films, explains how illusions such as the flying broomsticks, floating candles, wand explosions, and dragons breathing fire were created on the film set.

GraphicDEsign for Film: Creating the Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes: MinaLima’ Eduardo Lima and Miraphora Mina talk about how Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes was brought to life.

The Magic of Costumes in Harry Potter: Jany Temime, award-winning costume designer on the last six movies, and Eddie Newquist, the exhibition’s curator, chat about all the amazing costumes featured in the Harry Potter films.

Explore Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery: Join the creators of the upcoming mobile game “Harry Potter Hogwarts Mystery” to get a sneak peek of the story, gameplay, and visuals of the RPG mobile game.

Sound & Image: The Magic Behind the Music: CineConcerts founder/conductor Justin Freer and co-founder/producer Brady Beaubien explain the “magic behind the music” of the Harry Potter films, what it takes to create the complex scores, and how the iconic songs influence the scenes.

Harry Potter Expo

The Harry Potter Expo at Universal Studios Florida is comprised of several different booths and exhibits designed to give Harry Potter fans an even closer view of the iconic movie franchise.

Guests can get an exclusive look at the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child stage play before it makes it Broadway debut including a never before seen glimpse of the costumes, set designs and other production imagery.

Celebration attendees can get a glimpse at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, which offers a first-hand look at the makings of Harry Potter, including the movie’s incredible effects.

Wizarding Costumes from Harry Potter: The Exhibition is an all new showcase featuring the most elaborate and stunning costumes from the franchise. Guests will also be able to walk the runway and take home a unique keepsake photo.

Thanks to Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, guests can step inside the story with a Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Virtual Reality Experience. In the virtual world, you can interact with six beasts, complete spells, and experience the magic like never before.

Interactive Attractions

On the celebration’s opening night (January 26), guests can enjoy the Highlights from the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, where music from the first four films will be performed live by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra as memorable scenes from the movies flash by on a screen.

There is a gallery dedicated to fan art on display for the entirety of the event and at the Harry Potter Chalk Art Walk, chalk artists illustrate chalk images of fan favorite characters from the Harry Potter films and from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Audible Recall is back this year with updated Pottermore trivia questions. Play against your fellow house-mates with house-specific rounds each day. You can also test your knowledge at the Harry Potter Knowledge Challenge, an audience participation game for fans of all ages.

Kids who are 12 years old or younger can learn proper wand techniques from Wand Combat choreographer Paul Harris and guests of all ages can practice wizard-level dance moves straight from the choreography at the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang Choreography Demonstrations.

Find out whether you’re a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw at The Sorting Hat Experience. Then, take your wizarding experience up a notch at Hogwarts Houses Rally and Costume Showcase by dressing up as your favorite character and hit the stage for a chance to win magical prizes. Contestants will be selected based on the quality and craftsmanship of their costume.

Celebrate the 20 year anniversary of Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone publishing with Scholastic by writing your favorite Harry Potter memories on the “muggle wall” or step inside a life-sized recreation of the book. Guests can also enter to win one-of-a-kind Harry Potter prizes.

All weekend long, guests can join in The Celebration of Harry Potter 2018 Scavenger Hunt, searching for the answers to clues that are hidden in both magical and Muggle locations in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

Guests of the Harry Potter Celebration will also get a sneak peek at the all-new projection show “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” at Islands of Adventure! The castle’s brilliant transformation will show special effects and exciting lighting dedicated to all four houses. The new show will run at dusk on January 27 and 28.